Passengers traveling through Iceland’s main international gateway faced fresh uncertainty on January 6, 2026, after two key departures from Keflavik Airport to Oslo and Amsterdam were canceled by Scandinavian carrier SAS and Iceland’s flag carrier Icelandair, leaving many travelers temporarily isolated and scrambling to rearrange their journeys across northern Europe.

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Key Flights Axed From Keflavik to Oslo and Amsterdam

Keflavik International Airport, the primary hub for transatlantic and regional traffic in Iceland, reported the cancellation of two significant European services on Monday, highlighting how even a small number of flight disruptions can rapidly ripple across airline networks.

The affected routes connected Keflavik with Oslo Gardermoen and Amsterdam Schiphol, two major gateways that serve as onward hubs for Scandinavia and continental Europe.

According to operational data published on January 6, the SAS flight scheduled from Keflavik to Oslo under flight number SAS4786 was canceled early in the day.

The service, which had been set to depart at 07:30 local time using an Airbus A320neo, typically carries a mix of Nordic leisure travelers, business passengers and connecting long-haul customers. Its removal from the schedule immediately complicated travel plans for those relying on morning connections out of Oslo.

Later in the day, Icelandair confirmed it had also canceled a Boeing 737 MAX 8 service linking Keflavik with Amsterdam. While the carrier did not provide full route details publicly, the Amsterdam link is widely used as both a point-to-point leisure route and a key connecting corridor into mainland Europe through Schiphol’s extensive network. Together, the two cancellations left passengers facing extended waits in Iceland or complex rebooking through alternative hubs.

Industry observers noted that the use of modern, fuel-efficient aircraft on both affected routes suggests that the disruptions are more likely tied to weather, staffing or broader operational constraints than to immediate technical failures of the planes themselves. The timing of the flights, covering both morning peak and later periods, also indicated a challenge that went beyond a single short operational window.

Travelers Stranded and Facing Limited Alternatives

For passengers already in Iceland, the sudden withdrawal of key departures significantly limited options to leave the country on short notice. With Keflavik handling the vast majority of international flights to and from Iceland, the loss of two mainline flights to Oslo and Amsterdam compressed remaining capacity and placed additional pressure on later departures operated by other carriers.

Some travelers reported waiting in long lines at service desks as they sought rebooking options or compensation. With both Oslo and Amsterdam functioning as onward gateways, many stranded passengers were not simply missing a single flight but a chain of connections that could include regional Scandinavian routes, European capitals and even long-haul services to North America, Asia or Africa.

Those affected also faced practical challenges in deciding whether to remain at the airport to await new arrangements or seek short-term accommodation. Iceland’s weather, especially during winter, can change quickly, adding another layer of uncertainty for passengers trying to evaluate whether additional delays might loom for subsequent flights later in the day or week.

While the number of cancellations at Keflavik remained limited compared with large-scale disruptions occasionally seen at high-traffic hubs, the country’s geographical isolation meant that even two canceled services could leave hundreds of people temporarily stuck with very few immediate alternatives, underscoring the vulnerability of island-based aviation systems.

Operational Context: A Fragile Winter for European Schedules

The latest cancellations at Keflavik come amid a winter season that has already tested European airlines and airports with sets of weather-related disruptions, labor issues and operational bottlenecks.

Recent industry analyses show that carriers such as Icelandair, SAS and several of their European counterparts have all experienced notable numbers of cancellations and delays across various airports during the past months.

Data compiled by travel and aviation monitoring services in late 2025 and into early 2026 pointed to recurring operational strain on European networks, particularly at northern hubs that are exposed to winter storms and fluctuating temperatures.

Major carriers across the continent have occasionally been forced to consolidate schedules, reroute aircraft or temporarily suspend services when weather or ground handling capacity reached critical points.

For Iceland, the challenge is compounded by its position in the North Atlantic, where sudden snow, wind and visibility issues can quickly disrupt airport operations and road links. Previous severe weather events at Keflavik have at times left thousands of passengers waiting in terminals as flights were grounded or heavily delayed.

Against this backdrop, the new round of cancellations by SAS and Icelandair reinforces concerns about how swiftly minor disruptions can escalate for travelers crossing through Iceland during winter months.

Airlines often face difficult decisions when forecasting whether to operate or cancel specific flights, weighing safety, crew duty-time rules and the likelihood of knock-on delays. In this case, industry analysts suggest that calling off two key services early in the process may have been an attempt to contain wider disruption, even as it created immediate hardship for those already booked to travel.

How SAS and Icelandair Are Responding to Affected Passengers

Both SAS and Icelandair are bound by European and regional passenger rights frameworks, which set minimum standards for care and assistance in the event of cancellations.

Passengers departing from Keflavik on January 6 whose flights were canceled are potentially eligible for support that includes meals, refreshments and accommodation depending on waiting times and availability of alternative flights.

Icelandair’s publicly available guidance on disruptions reiterates that, where possible, the airline will attempt to rebook passengers automatically and notify them via email or its mobile application.

When large numbers of travelers are affected and automatic rerouting is not immediately possible, passengers are encouraged to request rerouting on the next available flight to their final destination under comparable transport conditions, subject to seat availability.

In situations where travelers must stay overnight in Iceland because no same-day departure is available, airlines may arrange or reimburse reasonable hotel accommodation and ground transport between the airport and lodging, particularly when passengers cannot reasonably return home or to temporary accommodation.

However, the exact support can vary depending on the cause of the disruption, the length of delay and the jurisdiction under which the flight is regulated.

SAS, operating within the same European regulatory environment, follows similar principles of care and rebooking. Customer service teams typically prioritize those with immediate same-day connections or limited mobility, while others may be asked to accept rerouted itineraries that involve different European gateways or departures on partner airlines.

Travelers have been advised to keep receipts for any essential expenses incurred while waiting to be rebooked, as these may form part of later claims.

Passenger Rights Under European Rules

For many travelers, the complexity of airline regulations only becomes apparent when something goes wrong. In the case of the canceled departures from Keflavik to Oslo and Amsterdam, most affected passengers are covered by European Union and European Economic Area regulations on air passenger rights, which include Iceland and Norway within their scope.

Under these rules, passengers on canceled flights are generally entitled to choose between rerouting at the earliest opportunity and reimbursement of the unused portion of their ticket, provided the cancellation falls within the regulation’s jurisdiction.

Additionally, they may have a right to financial compensation when a cancellation is not caused by extraordinary circumstances and when notice is given too late or alternative flights do not arrive within specified time windows compared with the original schedule.

The timing of the notification, the availability of rerouting and the precise reason for the cancellation are crucial in determining whether compensation is due. Severe weather, air traffic control restrictions or security incidents can sometimes exempt airlines from paying compensation, even though they are still obliged to provide care, such as food, drink and accommodation, during extended waits.

Experts in air travel rights encourage passengers affected by the Keflavik disruptions to document everything, including boarding passes, booking confirmations and out-of-pocket expenses like meals and local transportation.

These records can support claims submitted directly to the airline or, in some cases, to alternative dispute resolution bodies or national enforcement authorities if disagreements arise over eligibility.

Broader Implications for Iceland as a Transit Hub

Beyond the immediate impact on stranded travelers, the twin cancellations at Keflavik highlight strategic questions for Iceland as it continues positioning itself as a key transatlantic and regional transit hub.

The country’s location between North America and Europe has long attracted airlines seeking to build connecting traffic, but its infrastructure and weather exposure remain structural variables that can quickly shape traveler perceptions.

When even a small number of flights to major European cities like Oslo and Amsterdam are removed from the schedule, the effect on connectivity can be disproportionate.

Passengers whose itineraries rely on tight transfer windows or limited daily frequencies may find that a single canceled leg disrupts entire round trips, pre-paid holidays or business commitments in multiple countries.

Travel analysts note that repeated episodes of disruption can influence future booking behavior, with some passengers opting for more direct routings via larger continental hubs even if travel times or ticket prices increase.

Conversely, Icelandic authorities and airlines emphasize their investments in modern aircraft, improved terminal facilities and operational resilience as reasons for continued confidence in Keflavik’s role as a reliable gateway.

The events of January 6 are expected to prompt fresh internal reviews within SAS, Icelandair and the airport operator to assess contingency planning, communication protocols and capacity for handling surges in customer service demand when things go wrong.

For travelers, the episode serves as a reminder of the importance of flexible booking options, comprehensive travel insurance and a clear understanding of rights when disruptions occur.

Advice for Travelers Currently in or Heading to Iceland

For those currently stuck in Iceland as a result of the latest cancellations, travel experts recommend making the airline’s official channels the first point of contact. This includes mobile apps, manage-booking tools and dedicated customer service lines, which often reflect schedule changes before airport information boards or third-party platforms have fully updated data.

Where rebooking is offered online, passengers may be able to secure alternative routes more quickly than by waiting in physical queues at the airport, though in complex itineraries a combination of digital tools and in-person assistance can sometimes yield the best results.

Travelers are urged to confirm whether their alternatives involve additional overnight stays, changes of airport or modified baggage rules before accepting new itineraries.

Those with onward journeys from Oslo or Amsterdam should monitor the status of their connecting flights directly with the operating airline at the destination hubs. If a missed connection triggers a chain of cancellations further down the line, the original ticketing carrier will usually remain responsible for rerouting, but coordination with partner airlines can be critical to minimizing additional delays.

Passengers planning to travel through Keflavik in the coming days are advised to check flight status frequently, particularly during the winter period when conditions can shift rapidly.

Arriving at the airport with extra time, carrying essentials such as medications and warm clothing in hand luggage and maintaining access to digital copies of travel documents can make unexpected waits more manageable should disruption recur.

FAQ

Q1. Which flights were canceled at Keflavik on January 6, 2026?
Two key departures were canceled: a morning SAS flight from Keflavik to Oslo Gardermoen and an Icelandair service to Amsterdam Schiphol, both of which typically carry a mix of local and connecting passengers.

Q2. Why did SAS and Icelandair cancel these flights?
The airlines have not publicly detailed specific causes for each flight, but industry reporting suggests the cancellations were likely linked to operational or weather-related factors rather than immediate technical failures of the aircraft involved.

Q3. How many passengers have been affected by the cancellations?
Exact numbers have not been disclosed, but standard configurations of an Airbus A320neo and a Boeing 737 MAX 8 mean that several hundred travelers may have been directly impacted, with additional knock-on effects for connecting passengers.

Q4. What rights do passengers have when their flight from Keflavik is canceled?
Most travelers are protected by European and EEA air passenger rights rules, which typically entitle them to rerouting or a refund and, in many cases, care such as meals, refreshments and accommodation, depending on the length and cause of the disruption.

Q5. Are passengers entitled to financial compensation in this situation?
Compensation depends on whether the cancellation was due to extraordinary circumstances and how much notice was given. If the disruption was within the airline’s control and suitable alternatives were not provided within regulated time limits, compensation may be owed under applicable European rules.

Q6. How are SAS and Icelandair rebooking affected travelers?
Both carriers rely on automatic rebooking where possible, informing customers via email or mobile apps and offering alternative flights to their final destinations. When automatic solutions are not available, passengers are asked to contact customer service for manual rerouting.

Q7. What should stranded passengers in Iceland do first?
Affected travelers are advised to check their booking status through airline apps or websites, confirm any automatic rebooking, and only then approach airport service desks if further changes are needed or if they require assistance with accommodation and meal arrangements.

Q8. Can passengers claim reimbursement for hotels and meals?
Yes, in many cases passengers can claim reasonable expenses for accommodation, meals and local transport if they are forced to stay overnight due to a cancellation, provided they keep detailed receipts and the costs are directly related to the disruption.

Q9. How might these cancellations affect future flights from Keflavik?
While the immediate impact is focused on the affected services, cancellations can create knock-on effects in aircraft and crew rotations, potentially leading to further schedule adjustments in the short term as airlines work to rebalance their operations.

Q10. What can travelers do to better prepare for potential disruptions in Iceland?
Experts recommend booking flexible tickets where possible, maintaining updated contact details with airlines, purchasing robust travel insurance and regularly checking flight status, especially in winter, to stay ahead of any emerging changes to schedules at Keflavik.